DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Round 16, Game One v Cairns Taipans

We are set to return to Bendigo for the first time since 2021 on Wednesday evening when we take on the Cairns Taipans in a thrilling Ignite Cup matchup inside Bendigo Stadium.

A four quarter performance could see us vault up the Ignite Cup standings, and put ourselves firmly in contention for the in-season tournament’s final.

The Taipans stand in the way of this, however having won seven of the eight quarters played against the team from Far North Queensland, the team will be coming in with confidence.

For Cairns, four consecutive double digit defeats has them searching for answers to avoid another bottom of the table finish to the season.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Having lost the rebound count in four of our last six losses, Head Coach Dean Vickerman told media on Monday afternoon that hitting the boards is a major focus of the team’s preparation this round.

“We still just haven’t got to the level that we need to get to,” Vickerman explained.

“To get defensive rebounds and get out and run which is something that was really good for us in our winning stretch, and then picking up second possessions.

“It’s at both ends for us, our rebounding has got to improve.”

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde spoke following his team’s most recent game about the challenge he has had establishing a strong team identity this season.

“Our problem is finding consistency week-to-week, not in terms of making shots or making foul shots or getting to the foul line, but in terms of effort,” Forde said.

“It’s tricky right now… We don’t know what our identity is. A lot of that falls on me, a lot of it falls on the rotations that I’m trying to put out there.

“The expectation is that if we can go out there and apply maximum effort, we’ll live with the result.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

While we may have split our last four games, Tyson Walker has showcased his ability to play like one of the league’s best guards.

Since Round 13, Walker leads all players in steals per game (3.0) while averaging 18 points per game on 52/47/93 shooting splits.

Across that same stretch, the Taipans’ Jack McVeigh has been impressive at the offensive end, averaging close to 22 points per game on very efficient shooting.

This will be just the second time McVeigh has taken the court against United. In his only previous game this season, he tallied just eight points, and was -23 in his 31 minutes.

DETAILS

Who: Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Wednesday 7 January, 2026

Where: Bendigo Stadium, Bendigo

Watch: ESPN and Disney+

Tickets: Available here and Bendigo Memberships